Homes and Real Estate News

The Advantages Of Living Green Wall Systems

As cities have grown, so both noise and air pollution has increased and greenery has disappeared. This has caused many problems and living green wall systems offer one of the solutions to these problem. A system like this is used to beautify sterile surroundings but it does far more than just enhance a space aesthetically. Many buildings from skyscrapers to hotels and office blocks are reaping the benefits of having them installed.

These vertical gardens are unlike any other in that the plants are not rooted in the ground. Instead they are rooted inside a structure which is either attached to a wall or freestanding. Some of them are contained in pots in separate trays or boxes. Others are planted in panels and the roots are allowed to grow freely, forming a strong matrix.

Today there are materials available that retain moisture and nutrients enabling plants to thrive without having to be planted in the ground. A great diversity of plants such as flowering perennials, foliage plants, ground covers and even shrubs and bushes can thrive in this way. A multitude of colors, textures and sizes can thus be used to create real works of art. It is even possible to have customized logos or patterns created.

A wall like this acts as a natural air filter. It removes carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. In an office space this can really help to protect the health of employees and increase productivity. The working conditions are enhanced as they breathe in the clean air and stress is reduced by the calming effect of the abundant foliage.

Whether a vertical garden is installed inside or outside a building, it can help to reduce energy costs. In summer, an exterior structure can cool down surfaces and result in a cooler interior. In winter, the system traps air in an insulating layer and prevents heat from escaping and cold air from entering.

Noise pollution is a big factor in urban environments. A vertical garden can make a difference as plants absorb, reflect and refract sounds. Inside an office, the vegetation helps with high frequency sounds and the supporting structure muffles low frequency noise. An exterior system helps with sound insulation against all the noises of the city like traffic sounds.

The features of a vertical garden all act together to reduce the carbon footprint of a building. This is good news in a world where environmental concerns are becoming a priority. Any company that wants to promote their green image can use such a system as a marketing tool. These oases with their abundant foliage are succeeding in bringing back biodiversity into the cities by attracting birds, bees and butterflies.

Designing and implementing a vertical garden which is aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain is a complex task. It requires proper planning, an excellent knowledge of plants and creativity. It can be fairly costly to implement but the cost is well worth it for the many benefits it provides.